“THE FUTURE IS NOW” is what’s being said about Missy Franklin’s place in Team USA swimming. With Michael Phelps saying he’s competed in his last Olympics, people are already looking to Franklin. Standing beside her is Elizabeth Beisel, who won the bronze in the same event and will be competing along with her in the years to come. …and let’s not forget 15 year-old Katie Ledecky.
Winning gold in the 100-meter backstroke, Franklin’s performance was stunning. She also broke the world record, which was held by Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe wearing a now-banned bodysuit during the world championship in 2009 [Source: CBS News].
According to NBC’s Bob Costas, Franklin’s win also ended a 40-year drought for the U.S.A. in this event.
USA Today Sports did a unique profile of Missy Franklin, reporting that at the 2011 world championships, Michael Phelps said to Sports Illustrated, “She’s a stud.”
Now that’s equality, one competitor to another.
screencapture via YouTube
This post has been updated.
Missy Franklin was awesome and blazing fast. And only 17 years old. Future is bright indeed. My Chinese neighbors across the street couldn’t help but be slightly irritated at Franklin’s world record time and how no one is accusing her of doping (unlike the world record swim by 16 year old Ye Shiwen earlier). I understood their irritating since Ye Shiwen has tested negative all the way around.
Personally I love seeing young athletes like Missy Franklin and Ye Shiwen do what they do.